Shopping for MSP, Minnesota area..

[jjhendo]

I have an old RadioShack 20-315 handheld looking to upgrade. So many options since I last looked my head is spinning! I think I'd like Whistler because it's more like the RadioShacks I'm used to (because they bought them?) but I hear they struggle with simulcast, but does anyone happen to know if that's important here in the Twin Cities, MN area? I'd like a base with external antenna and handheld, but can only afford one right now, but just can't decide brands and design. Maybe a TRX 1 now and an SDS200 someday to cover bases? The TRX 2s screen looks to be lacking.. How do you decide? Anything else to consider?

 

[bearcatrp]

Heavy simulcast in the twin cities. Get the SDS200. Can be run in a vehicle or base in the house. Anything else you will have simulcast issues.

 

[jjhendo]

Heavy simulcast in the twin cities. Get the SDS200. Can be run in a vehicle or base in the house. Anything else you will have simulcast issues.

It kinda sounds like it'd do everything I need, just wonder how much the extra dmr and everything is and how just how daunting it is to program..

 

[bearcatrp]

It kinda sounds like it'd do everything I need, just wonder how much the extra dmr and everything is and how just how daunting it is to program..

When you register your SDS200, you pay for the keys right there. You will get a code to enter into the radio. Its already in the radio. Just need the key to unlock it. Easy Peasy. Do NOT have the place you buy it at do this for you. They charge extra. Think its $60 bucks direct from uniden.

 

[W8KIC]

It kinda sounds like it'd do everything I need, just wonder how much the extra dmr and everything is and how just how daunting it is to program..

I'd hold off on the DMR upgrade unless you know that you'll actually need it in the twin cities. Most of what you'll be listening to will be trunked P25 Phase I on the ARMER system. I suppose if you really had your heart set on having the upgrade for the sake of having it or the expectation that you'll be traveling around the state or possibly outside of it into areas or networks that actually utilize DMR then you obviously have a valid point.

 

[jjhendo]

When you register your SDS200, you pay for the keys right there. You will get a code to enter into the radio. Its already in the radio. Just need the key to unlock it. Easy Peasy. Do NOT have the place you buy it at do this for you. They charge extra. Think its $60 bucks direct from uniden.

Ok, so you do pay some when you register it then, or no? And how much?

 

[ofd8001]

I've been attempting to monitor the Minnesota ARMER system for a very long time on trips. I've used just about every model that Uniden has. The only satisfactory scanners have been the SDS 100 and 200 models. Anything else was full of frustrations.

If you opt to get an upgrade for DMR/NXDN, you order and pay for, that from a seller and you'll be provided with instructions how to do the one time install. That said, you won't need DMR/NXDN to monitor the ARMER system.

Not to scare you off, but you will be facing two learning curves. One is to understand how the ARMER system operates the other is how to program a "newfangled" scanner. You cannot ruin a scanner with bad programming, so don't worry about the mistakes you probably will make. Most of us have been through that and learned our way.

 

[bearcatrp]

Ok, so you do pay some when you register it then, or no? And how much?

You pay uniden with a CC. You will see the option to purchase the key for DMR if that’s all you want. You can purchase NXDN if you want. You will get charged more if you have it done when purchasing. Up to you if you want to spend more.

 

[Robdobb]

call zip scanners in minneapolis

 

[Robdobb]

call zip scanners in minneapolis

737.777.9876

 

[wogggieee]

Alternatively you can get an SDR like an Airspy then set it up at home so that you can stream it to your phone. This is much cheaper than a traditional scanner and will give you the ability to listen while out and about. An additional bonus is that it records everything so you don't miss a call while listening to a different one.

 

[peq387ab]

I would recommend for a scanner in the MSP metro to go with a SDS 200 or 100. With the large amount of simulcast in the metro this would be a great investment. You can always add DMR and Nextedge later on. I purchased an SDS 200 a couple years ago and found it to be much better with simulcast than my other cache of scanners.

Another option for simulcast scanning that’s is cheap is an SDR with a computer.

 

[jjhendo]

call zip scanners in minneapolis

Yeah, I'm kinda looking at their stuff.

I would recommend for a scanner in the MSP metro to go with a SDS 200 or 100. With the large amount of simulcast in the metro this would be a great investment. You can always add DMR and Nextedge later on. I purchased an SDS 200 a couple years ago and found it to be much better with simulcast than my other cache of scanners.

Another option for simulcast scanning that’s is cheap is an SDR with a computer.

Besides the price, the only thing keeping the SDS200 from being the best scanner ever is that I hear it's not too good with analog?
I have kinda mixed feelings about SDR; seems kinda tricky and I like real hardware. Definitely is cheap, though.

 

[kb9klc]

I listen to simulcast day in and out in my area. I finally decided to keep my old scanner for analog operation (BCD 536) and get the Unication G5 (I found a good deal on one used) for the simulcast. While it has limitations and is "not" considered a scanner, it's the only thing I found that stands up even close (and some have said better) to an actual subscriber radio. All depends on what you want to monitor and listen to. I've also programmed it to use while traveling and for me, it worked great on the 700-800 systems including simulcast. Yes there's a learning curve to it, and yes, it's not exactly a scanner per se but, in my area, it's what worked the best on simulcast.

I've also got a really old Relm scanner I used occasionally for the analog/airband stuff when I"m in the mood and it does analog great. You could keep your older RS scanner for analog and add whatever flavor of receiving device you wanted for the simulcast system. Good luck on your choice.